3.0 vs. 4.4

[dragoncoach]

Originally Posted by Lucky7

So I drove a GX470 and I just can't bring myself to buy it...I'm pretty much sold on an X5 at this point. My only worry is will the X leave me stranded several hundred miles from home? I know there's AAA but I really want piece of mind in a vehicle. Someone please just tell me I've read too much on this forum. I mean Christ I did buy a 745i.

You can get stranded in ANY vehicle! If you decide on an X, do all you can to make sure it was maintained well and is in good running condition and be sure to have a PPI done.

[wallyx5]

Originally Posted by Lucky7

Before I ask let me preface my questions with "yes I did search and read through several threads offering qualities of both motors."

I currently own a 745i, MB E350, and Ford F-150. My fiancé drives the MB daily and I drive the truck or BMW depending on weather. We are looking for an SUV (X5) for trips to the mountains in the winter and beach during the summer. We have two large mutts who travel with us.

I'm not concerned with fuel economy because I can use the extra write off. I am leaning towards the 4.4 over the I6 because of the extra ponies. My only concern is longevity and reliability. We are planning to keep this truck and like all other vehicles we own properly maintain them.

Are transmission issues in 2002-04 4.4 models a concern?
Which will be more reliable long term?
I am aware on 4.4 models w/ sport package I will have to eventually change to coil springs, but are there any other issues with the sport package I am missing?
I am not opposed to a 3.0 if over the course of 300k miles the motor will be that much more reliable.
Finally is a 2002 4.4 with under 50k documented miles a good candidate at under $18,000?

Looking to keep the purchase under $20k and pay cash.

This is a easy one....get the 4.4. You will never regret it. Me on the other hand every day I wished I had gotten the 4.4 And from what everybody says the fuel economy isn't much different, on the highway. City maybe a lettle bit more. But the power is worth it.

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by imola38

Ive had two BMW's with M62 V8's (My 4.6is and an E38). I personally think that the sporty, yet slightly muted sound of the M62 is one of the best around. It's also got to be one of the smoothest V8's available, especially when compared to a Merc. I have drivin quite a few E53's with the M54 6 cyl and I wouldn't say they're by any means slow, just not near the same driving experience. The GM transmission in the 6 cyl version is obviously geared to haul the weight. One of the turnoffs to me was that the 6 cyl seems to be constantly shifting even at normal driving, and most of those shifts are happening around 3k rpm. The V8 is extremely flexible as it will lug along at 1500 rpm or scream to 6800 with plenty of torque curve inbetween. The M54 gets most of its power at the higher end of the rev range which is great for an E46, not the best for a pig like the X. Again, simply my .02 here.

As far as reliability I would say the M54 6 cyl is probably less maintenance overall as theres only one valve cover and that itself is much less labor to replace. No valley pan; a common M62 leakage area which requires removal of intake, water pump etc. Most of those cooling sytem parts are much less work to replace as well on the M54.

The M62TU in itself is a wonderful engine in my opinion. It seems much less affected by overheating like the M54. Its just the cooling system and rubber parts around it that seem to have a relatively short lifespan. I've seen a few of them with over 250k myself, as long as the cooling system is kept up to date and engine is kept sludge free and clean internally with on-time oil changes. I dont know of any bottom end or internal failures with either engine unless they're just mindlessly abused.

I would drive both and just use the "seat of the pants" feel. Let us know what you decide

After finished working on VCG and VPG (not to mention coolant manifold), Can't agree more on the comments in bold above; got nick and scratch on my fingers to prove it.

BTW, the engine itself will last 200kmiles wiout even trying, my 72kmile M64 doesn't seem to even have a scratch on the camshaft lobes, no carbon build up on the back of intake valves either. Can only wish my trans or xfer case will last as long as the engine.

[Lucky7]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

After finished working on VCG and VPG (not to mention coolant manifold), Can't agree more on the comments in bold above; got nick and scratch on my fingers to prove it.

BTW, the engine itself will last 200kmiles wiout even trying, my 72kmile M64 doesn't seem to even have a scratch on the camshaft lobes, no carbon build up on the back of intake valves either. Can only wish my trans or xfer case will last as long as the engine.

So is this another vote for the 4.4?

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by Lucky7

So is this another vote for the 4.4?

Not really, just saying M64 will have more maintenance cost over M54 3.0 6-cylinder; but in general if you do 7500mile/6mo oil change the engine will last to 200k easy. I think Wally is about to eclipse 300k on his X5 3.0 soon.

Now other things like Trans, xfer case, air-spring, suspension may not reach that point w/o major overhaul.

[diyanich]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

Not really, just saying M64 will have more maintenance cost over M54 3.0 6-cylinder; but in general if you do 7500mile/6mo oil change the engine will last to 200k easy. I think Wally is about to eclipse 300k on his X5 3.0 soon.

Now other things like Trans, xfer case, air-spring, suspension may not reach that point w/o major overhaul.

M62 4.4i

[dragoncoach]

Originally Posted by diyanich

M62 4.4i

S62 4.9........

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by dragoncoach

S62 4.9........

Nope, (N63 + Dinan) > S62

BTW, if my X5 went caput I'd be looking at X6 N63 CPO (assuming they fix the valley-pan and coolant manifold gasket problems on that 4.4i block); Can't imagine removing 2 turbos to get to VP.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

Nope, (N63 + Dinan) > S62

BTW, if my X5 went caput I'd be looking at X6 N63 CPO (assuming they fix the valley-pan and coolant manifold gasket problems on that 4.4i block); Can't imagine removing 2 turbos to get to VP.

personally I dont trust the new breed of turbo BMW motors. Not considering what the 335i motors have been going through. Too complicated and too many expensive systems that can fail.

[faz]

I bought my 2005 3.0i two years ago with about 42k miles on it. At the time I could go either v8 or I6, no preference really (actually more inclined to go V8 route due to better power). I called around and asked a few local BMW independent repair shops about their view on reliability and maintenance of V8 vs. I6, and asked if they accepted any third party warranties, etc.

Basically every one of them (all legitimate experienced businesses advertising their shops on local Craigslist and such) told me that with an 3.0, I would not need to worry about a warranty, but that I shouldn't get a V8 without such warranty. All of them, (I called about 4 different shops), said that in their experience, V8 was more of a risk than 3.0.

I went with the 3.0 and have been pretty happy with the decision so far. (No warranty, good reliable performance.)

I did test drive a 2007 4.8i (new style V8) a few months ago as I was considering an upgrade to the new body style. I then test drove the new body 3.0i as well. Frankly, after test driving them both back to back, with warranty, I would still get the 3.0i. The acceleration was better in 4.8i from stop, but at freeway speeds, passing acceleration was very similar in my opinion. Now, obviously, 4.8 has more power than 3.0, so I am not denying that. What I am saying is that 3.0 has to work a bit harder to achieve the same acceleration, but it seemed VERY WILLING to do just that. Take into account the number of times I will realistically have a need to push it that hard, and even the cost difference between 3.0 and 4.8 could not be justified (for me and my driving purposes.)

I have had multiple trips to LA from San Jose area, with full trunk and 4 passengers in the car (including me), and even going up the mountains close to LA I saw no problem with accelerating/passing uphill. Again, the engine is working harder if you choose to push it, but given the number of cops on the roads/etc., under generally normal driving conditions, the 3.0 was not lacking by any means. Although if I were towing any heavy boats, I think wouldn't have been happy.

If I were to buy an X5 today and keep it only for 4 years under initial free maint./warranty period, I would go for a V8. Who doesn't like to have more power? However, even if I wanted to go the new car route, I would need to keep such vehicle for at least 10 years to justify its cost, and that alone would make me want to get the smaller 3.0 non-turbo engine (but that option is no longer offered anyway, so diesel would be my preference over V8.)

I really think you will be happy either way. V8 *may* give you more headaches, but will also give you better performance. Test drive them back to back, a few times, and decide for yourself and your driving needs which one fits your needs better.